Selective utilization of Saline ephemeral Rivers Flood for Soil Correction and Vegetation of Desert Rangelands (Case Study of Sirizi Bafgh station in Yazd)

One of the most suitable and efficient solutions for proper use of flood potential and saline ephemeral rivers in arid and desert areas is the use of flood spreading networks with a special design that while separating the saline base flow from the flood, water also increases forage production and improves the quantity and quality of pastures and desertification control. The purpose of this study is to show the aspects of this process in the flood spreading project of the Bafgh Sirizi Station. In this study, for soil sampling, drilling three profiles in the flooded area and three profiles in the control area, as well as rangeland vegetation within four flood spreading areas and adjacent areas as control, were done randomly. The results showed that the percentage of canopy cover, density, and percentage of species of Hammada salicornica, Seidlitzia rosmarinus as well as the percentage of total canopy cover, total density, and the total percentage of species were significantly different at 1% error level. Flood spreading has also caused the presence of Zygophyllum eurypterum, Salsola yazdiana, and Artemisia sieberi species with good palatability value. The percentage of cover and the presence of litter also showed a significant difference at 5% error level. Also, a comparison of changes in soil properties in the natural and floodplain areas indicates a decrease in soil salinity and an increase in silt and clay in different soil horizons, which has provided an important role in improving fertility and moisture-holding capacity.